Former Liverpool defender John Arne Riise says Real Madrid must stick with Rafa Benitez as he is an ‘amazing manager’.
Benitez has come under fire in recent weeks after defeats to Sevilla, Barcelona and Villarreal in the league left Los Blancos off the pace. All season long, there have been doubts about his style of play, with many fans unhappy at taking a more defensive approach than playing more attacking football.
To make matters worse, reports in the media in Spain has suggested Benitez has had disagreements with a number of senior players including Cristiano Ronaldo, James Rodriguez and Toni Kroos.
“It’s such a shame to see him struggling in Madrid, as he is such an amazing person,” Riise told FourFourTwo.
And he added: “I met him in Oslo, when Madrid were there playing a friendly. He took me to the dressing room and we had a chat. He was so excited, and he is a so great to work with – you can talk to him as a person. I hope he can turn it around, he is good enough to, but Madrid is Madrid.
“They have to stick with him. Once he has all his players back fit, then you will see what a talented manager he really is.”
